We have received various emails from folks who have been concerned with, and/or confused by, a popular teaching that says that the "end of the church age" has arrived. The assertion that we deal with, teaches specifically, that God has left all the churches and that now, Satan rules in all churches! This false teaching also asserts that we are no longer supposed to be baptized or have communion. What does the Bible really have to say about this, and how does the history of the church mitigate against such a view? We deal with this topic carefully and without casting stones or mentioning who this "popular" false teacher is. The Bible is full of passages which mitigate against this false teaching of the "end of the church age." There are also boundary conditions which exist concerning the very nature of Christ, such that a view like this cannot possibly be true. We discuss the visible church, the invisible church and show if we dissect these and throw one out while retaining the other, we encounter an impossible scenario with respect to the incarnation of Christ and with respect to His Person. Other questions surface as we probe this question. For example, what are the marks of the church? We also delve into churches which indeed have left the faith once delivered to the saints. We explore the definitions of heresy and schism. While some groups go all the way and deny the basic essentials of the Christian faith, our Lord promises us that He will continually be with His people and will preserve those that are His and that He will preserve the true church. The teaching that Christ is "no longer using the church," is another way of trying to kill off the work and ministry of Christ on earth through His church. We note that it is incomprehensible that we would have this kind of teaching. It is an attack upon the Bride of Christ.

Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

We continue answering the listener's question of "What was the progression of education in the American family since colonization?" As history progresses, the Industrial Revolution played an important part of the educational model. Immigration also affected education as the country needed to turn immigrants into "good" American citizens. By 1918, all the states in the Union have compulsory public education. Private schools continue, but parents who exercise that option, start paying "double." They have to pay their school taxes, as well as for private education. By the late nineteenth century, the Christian church lost control of education in this country. Losing control of higher education meant losing control of curriculum, teacher training and eventually we see Christianity "eased" out of the public schools.

Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.

The listener's question is: "What was the progression of education in the American family since colonization?" We discuss what an education is, and how we inherited our current educational model. We also probe other questions prompted by this original question. What was the purpose of a liberal arts education, and how did the Reformation change education? Also where were the first public schools established? Cotton Mather's quotes are explored. We also consider a quote from Cornelius Van Til (contained in Foundations of Christian Education - Addresses to Christian Teachers). Thomas Aquinas is also briefly mentioned, as well as the Belgic Confession. Since the topic of education is so large, we continue into the following week.

Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.

A follow-on discussion including the distinctions between possession and oppression. The believer is exhorted to keep our eyes on Jesus, and not dwell on satanic activity. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We discuss the limitations of the role of Satan in the believer's life. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." We discuss the establishment clause, the free exercise clause and how these came about. What were the ramifications of these in American History? The amendment specifically restricts the Federal Government, but what happened in the 1940's when the Supreme Court applied the first amendment to the states? The so called "Wall of Separation" is dealt with. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

What is the Just War tradition? When is it right for a Christian to go to war? Was the American Revolution a "just war?" These question and others are dealt with. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We investigate a quote from the Pope's recent pastoral letter, Caritas in Veritate, where he writes that there is a "strongly felt need" for a reform of the United Nations and of "economic institutions and international finance..." "There is," he says "urgent need of a true world political authority" with "effective power." We tackle this dangerous assertion with Biblical exposition, and with a perspective in history. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.

We investigate a quote from the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of America - Rev. Katharine Jefforts Schori. In speaking of the crisis in her own church she says: "the overarching connection in all these crisis has to do with 'the great Western heresy' - that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in a right relationship with God." This assertion is challenged using the plain teachings of Scripture. The individual is saved by God's free grace, i.e., by grace through faith alone. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.

A continuation of last week's session, with a look at man's total depravity, and how this conviction got fleshed out in the way government is structured with checks and balances. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.